> Overview

A US citizen at least 21 years old may petition for a green card for his or her parent by filing an I-130 petition. If the parent is in the United States, an I-485 application to adjust status to permanent resident can be filed simultaneously, helping the parent obtain a green card even faster.

The I-130 will be filed along with:

• Proof of the petitioning child’s US citizenship such as a US passport or US birth certificate
• Proof of parent-child relationship such as a birth certificate.

We encourage anyone wishing to help their parent obtain a green card to seek the counsel of an immigration attorney.

> Which parental relationships does the US government recognize for immigration purposes?

• Biological parent as long as the petitioner never obtained an immigration benefit through adoption.
• Step-parent if that relationship was created before the petitioner’s 18th birthday.
• Adoptive parent if that relationship was created before the petitioner’s 16th birthday.

> What documents are required to prove the family relationship?

There are two basic types of required documents when petitioning for a parent:

• Proof of the petitioning US citizen’s US citizenship such as a copy of the passport.
• A copy of the petitioner's birth certificate showing a parent-child relationship with the petitioner's parent.

If petitioning for your father, additional documentation is required:

• Marriage certificate showing marriage between your mother and father before your birth.
• A copy of the petitioning US citizen’s birth certificates showing your parent.

Further relevant documentation is required when the parental relationship is step or adopted.

A certified English translation is required for all documents not written in English.

> Can the parent's family receive green cards too?

No. Parents of United States citizens are considered immediate relatives, and immediate relatives cannot bring beneficiaries from the same petition.

> How long does the process take?

Petitioning for a parent usually takes six to eight months. Unexpected delays occur, so we recommend you allow for at least twelve months.

> Is there a way to speed up the process?

An I-130 filed for a parent is one of the fastest forms of immigration. Along with the other immediate relative relationships, it is the fastest form of family-based immigration. There is no method like premium processing to speed up the family-based immigration process.

> How much does it cost?

The United States government charges the following filing fees:

Each I-130, the family based immigration petition, costs $535.

The Affidavit of Support costs $120 unless filed outside the United States; most are filed in the US.

Each I-485, the application used to adjust status, costs $1140 with an additional $85 for biometrics (fingerprints). The biometrics fee applies to applicants from age 14 to 78.

Each DS-230 or DS-260, the paper or online application used for consular processing, costs $325 for family-based immigration before the interview and $220 after the interview.